scholarly journals Mulching Techniques to Conserve the Soil Water and Advance the Crop Production - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol Special Issue (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjeet Prem ◽  
Prem Ranjan ◽  
Neeraj Seth ◽  
Ghanshyam T. Patle
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Growth Increment ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Micro Irrigation

The necessity to increase the production of food grains and enhances the quality of surrounding environment has leaded to find the materials to control or regulate the water and wind erosion. Mulching has become now a days an essential and decisive exercise in agricultural production. It lessens the application of herbicides and various chemical fertilizers, control the weeds and maintains the soil moisture and soil temperature. This article consists of the detail reviews of different research conducted on mulches and elaborate the opportunities that they resolving the problem in agriculture. The resources of water for agricultural operations have been inadequate over the years as a result of global warming and uneven or uncertain rainfall in the low rainfall zones of India. To alleviate the water scarcity in agriculture, mulching has a vital impact as a water conserving technique in rain-fed cropping. It is very important primarily for preserving the soil moisture, preventing evaporation of soil and governing the soil temperature, which affects the food production. India being an agricultural country should have a better admiration towards water conservation tactics. By now we are fighting from a great stress of water insufficiency. Each and every drop of water is important for us but inappropriately because of inattentiveness, we repeatedly waste gigantic volume of water in which 70 to 80 % is passed down for irrigation purpose. Mulching and micro- irrigation techniques can play a vital role in controlling the over and excessive irrigation. This practice assistance to prevent weed growth, increment soil moisture, reduce soil erosion, maintain soil temperature, augments soil structure, improves soil fertility and improvise soil biological regime. There are several categories of mulching which are organic mulching, inorganic mulching, natural mulching, synthetic mulching, surface mulching, upright mulching or vertical mulching, plastic mulching, rubber mulching, pebble or stone mulching, dust mulching, straw mulching, landscape fabric, live vegetative barriers etc. Mulching also shows some limitations beyond many advantages as it may harbor some insects, pests and diseases and also create some weed problems sometimes. The current analysis deals with argument of every single feature of mulching and it’s beneficiary effects.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Attributes of Pine Straw from Southern Pine Species

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Zachary Singh ◽  
Adam Maggard ◽  
Rebecca Barlow ◽  
John Kush
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
Longleaf Pine ◽  
Pinus Palustris ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Pine Straw

Abstract Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) are two southern pine species that are popular for producing pine straw for landscaping. The objective of this research was to determine the response of soil properties and weed growth to the application of pine straw. Longleaf pine, slash pine, and two non-mulched controls (with and without chemical weed control) were tested. Volumetric soil water content, soil nutrients, soil temperature, weed biomass, and seedling growth were measured. Compared to non-mulched controls, both longleaf and slash pine plots had a greater soil moisture during extended periods without rainfall in the full sun environment. When soil temperatures increased, mulched plots had lower soil temperature relative to non-mulched plots. Soil pH and soil nutrients were generally similar between pine straw types with few significant differences in measured variables. Both pine straw treatments reduced weed growth and longleaf pine maintained a greater straw depth over the study period compared to slash pine, but no differences were observed for decomposition. These results indicate that longleaf pine straw and slash pine straw perform equally as well in terms of increasing soil moisture, moderating soil temperature, and reducing weed growth compared to not using mulch. Index words: Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, organic mulch, soil properties, landscaping. Species used in this study: Shumard oak, Quercus shumardii Buckl., Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis L.

Effects of Different Soil Micro-Catchment Pattern on Soil Moisture and Heat in the Semi-Arid Area of Western Liaoning Province

2013 ◽  
Vol 726-731 ◽  
pp. 3837-3842
Author(s):  
Zhi Jing Xiao ◽  
Zhan Xiang Sun ◽  
Liang Shan Feng ◽  
Chen Feng ◽  
Dian Wu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Arid Area ◽  
Liaoning Province ◽  
Cropping Pattern ◽  
Western Liaoning ◽  
Cropping Patterns ◽  
Traditional Pattern ◽  
Semi Arid

This study focuses on the outstanding issues of the serious lack of water resources in semi-arid area of western Liaoning province. Traditional cropping patterns as contrast, studied the effect of unary or binary coverage of three micro-catchment patterns, which were ridge film mulching and furrow seeding (T1), groove ridge mulch film (T2), ridge ditch straw mulching cultivation (T3). Compared with the traditional pattern, micro-catchment patterns have obvious water gathering effect. This experiment, T2 of the best water conservation and water harvesting, compared to the traditional pattern, the average soil moisture content improve 2.38% in the growth period. Followed by T3, improves 1.71%. The third was Tr1, improve 1.43%. Micro-catchment can be avoided the drought of soil deeply by covering mulching film. 63mm precipitation can effectively improve 0-80cm soil moisture. While gullies covering film or direct planting cultivation can significantly increase soil temperature. Although the straw covering did not have the role to increase the soil temperature, the soil temperature was more close to the traditional cropping pattern. Compared with the traditional pattern, the average soil temperature of T2 increased by 2.42°C, T1 increased 1.99°C, T3 reduced 0.21°C.

Design and Fabrication of Cost-Effective Agriculture Machine

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 284-288
Author(s):  
Veeresha G
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Growing Conditions ◽  
The Right ◽  
Agricultural Film

Abstract: Mulching has long been used to conserve soil moisture, manage weeds, modify soil temperature, and create a microclimate for plants. There are a variety of strategies for improving crop growing conditions, including increasing productivity and reducing the amount of water necessary to grow the crops. However, mulching paper, also known as agricultural film, is one of the most effective ways to cover the soil and keep the crop in the right environment This mulching paper comes in a varietyof varieties, but because plastic mulching is well-known for requiring less effort, we've chosen to work on an automatic mulching paper laying machine that also includes a drip laying attachment. Moisture in the soil is critical for crop survival in arid environments. Mulching with plastic paper film around theroot area of plants prevents weed growth while also storing water and preventing soil dehydration, however this method takes a lot of money and time. So the 'Mulching paper laying machine with hole punching' will save money and time because it will handle both chores at once, laying mulching paper and punching holes in the ground. A body, a mainframe with hoeing blades, hole punching wheels, drip role holder, and punching mechanism make up the plastic mulch laying machine. The mulch was laid on the prepared plantation bed by the machine in conjunction with the drip pipe. This will lay mulch onthe bed without destroying it, as well as punch the holes to the desired dimensions. The product might be used in agriculture to grow tomatoes, watermelons, muskmelons, and other hybrid varieties of crops. Bylowering the capital cost and time of laying the mulching paper using the most convenient way, as well as installing the drip irrigation pipe in one pass of the machine, it will be simple for the farmer. (Key words: agriculture, mulching paper, weed control)

scholarly journals Effect of Mulches on Soil Properties, Leaf Nutrient Status and Weed Growth of Pomegranate under Rainfed Conditions

2020 ◽  
pp. 84-91
Author(s):  
Bhawna Kaushal ◽  
D. D. Sharma ◽  
M. A. Kuchay
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Water Evaporation ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Rainfed Conditions ◽  
Polyethylene Mulch ◽  
Soil Temperature And Moisture

The present study entitled "Effect of mulches on soil properties, leaf nutrient status and weed growth of pomegranate under rainfed conditions" at the experimental farm of HR&TS and KVK Kandaghat at Jadari, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, during 2017-2018. The different mulches like Nylon mulch mat, Silver polyethylene mulch, Black polyethylene mulch, Red polyethylene mulch and Coir mulch mat, Grass mulch were used in this investigation. Results revealed that maximum soil temperature and moisture were recorded in black polyethylene mulch. Nylon mulch mat was found effective in controlling weed growth followed by silver polyethylene mulch and black polyethylene mulch. Soil and leaf nutrient content were significantly higher found under grass mulch. The soil hydrothermal regimes were significantly higher under black polyethylene mulch. This provides better prevention of soil water evaporation and retaining soil moisture under rainfed conditions.

scholarly journals ​Effect of Mulching on Crop Production under Rainfed Condition: A Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa . ◽  
Parveen Sharma ◽  
Priyanka Bijalwan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Microflora ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Synthetic Materials ◽  
Conservation Farming

As the population of India is continuously rising so we have to adopt some means of sustaining our agricultural growth and it can be done through conservation farming. The best way out is the adoption of the age old practice of mulching in our agricultural fields. Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural technique in which the use of organic materials and synthetic materials for the purpose of increasing soil productivity is involved. In rainfed area, judicious use of water is essential for improving crop productivity. Therefore, mulching has been advocated as an effective means for conserving soil moisture. This technique is very useful in protecting the roots of the plants from heat, cold or drought or to keep fruit free from diseases and insect pests. Mulching is an old age technique to conserve soil moisture, checks evaporation, check the weed growth, moderate soil temperature and provide congenial microclimatic conditions for plant growth and development. This technology is a boon for the horticulture crops not only for increasing growth, development, yield but also a method for soil and water conservation. This review paper deals with the various effects of mulching on plants, soil as well as on soil microflora. This technology has brought a great revolution in the agriculture especially for water conservation and proves to be a fastest growing plasticultural technique in the world.

scholarly journals No Tillage With Plastic Re-mulching Maintains High Maize Productivity via Regulating Hydrothermal Effects in an Arid Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Yin ◽  
Qiang Chai ◽  
Yao Guo ◽  
Hong Fan ◽  
Zhilong Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Filling Stage ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Early Filling

Plastic is a valuable mulching measure for increasing crop productivity in arid environments; however, little is known about the main mechanism by which this valuable technology actuates spatial–temporal changes in soil hydrothermal effect. So a 3-year field experiment was conducted to optimize soil hydrothermal effect of maize field with three plastic mulched management treatments: (1) no tillage with plastic re-mulching (NM), (2) reduced tillage with plastic mulching (RM), and (3) conventional tillage with annual new plastic mulching (CM). The results showed that NM treatment increased soil water content by 6.6–8.4% from maize sowing to seedling stage, than did CM, and it created a good soil moisture environment for sowing of maize. Also, NM had greater soil water content by 4.8–5.6% from maize silking to early-filling stage than had CM, and it made up for the abundant demand of soil moisture for the vigorous growth of maize filling stage. The NM treatment increased water consumption (WC) before maize big-flare stage, decreased WC from big-flare to early-filling stage, and increased WC after early-filling stage. So NM treatment effectively coordinated water demand contradiction of maize at entire growing season. NM decreased soil accumulated temperature (SAT) by 7.0–13.0% at maize sowing to early-filling stage than did CM, but NM had little influence on the SAT during filling stage. In particular, the treatment on NM had smaller absolute values of air–soil temperature differences than RM and CM treatments during maize filling stage, indicating that NM treatment maintains the relative stability of soil temperature for ensuring grain filling of maize. The NM treatment allowed the maize to grow in a suitable hydrothermal status and still maintained high yield. In addition, NM treatment obtained higher net income and rate of return by 6.4–11.0% and 44.1–54.5%, respectively, than did CM, because NM treatment mainly decreased the input costs for plastic and machine operations. Therefore, the NM treatment can be recommended as a promising technique to overcome simultaneous heat stress and water shortage in arid environments.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture in non-flooded landscape units in Namibian Zambezi region

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-327
Author(s):  
F.N. Mwazi ◽  
L.S-M Akundabweni ◽  
P. Graz ◽  
C. Gwanama
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Seasonal Rainfall ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Residual Moisture ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Growing Period

Climate variability will continue to impact the spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture in different landscapes across the world; and in turn the variability may affect crop production. Non-flood areas in the Namibian Kwalala Landscape of Zambezi (NKLOZ) region are generally relegated to second place, as somewhat marginal for the successful production of major crops such as maize (Zea mays L.). Even when flood water has receded, non-flooded areas which get affected during floods, are still avoided for crop production. This is because residual moisture following the rainy season, is suspected to fall far short of the longer growing duration of maize, to the extent that farmers are too apprehensive to grow maize in such areas. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seasonal rainfall on spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture within the Namibian Kwalala Landscape of Zambezi (NKLOZ) ecology, and the extent to which soil moisture status and soil temperature patterns (STEPs) characterise soil type (STP) productive potential. Three sensors were setup up at 20, 40 and 60 cm landscape of the NKLOZ, after digging a one-metre trench at each site. Soil moisture and temperature data were retrieved and monitored using Decagon DataTrac 3 software. ANOVA multiple regressions were used to analyse the effects of soil depth, rainfall, and soil temperature on soil moisture. Seasonal rainfall in the NKLOZ during the growing period between October and April (2012-2015) significantly (P < 0.05) and positively affected soil moisture, both in time and space, in recharging soil moisture to sufficiently meet maize crop water requirements in the region. Although it appeared like high amounts of soil moisture sufficiency were as a result of the events of seasonal rainfall received during the growing period, anything received between mid-January and Mid-March was still below the historical minimum and maximum decadal; and in any case late for early planted maize crop. Average soil moisture data indicated for loamy soil (8.30), sandy loam (14.30) and sand at the respective sites suggested a large rainfall season-soil texture interaction. Such an interaction should inform the prudence of production of maize from the point of view of a smart or robust crop system growing planning and management. Key words: Decagon sensors, residual moisture, Zea mays

scholarly journals Development of Soil Moisture Index for Planning Water Management in the State of Sikkim (India)

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B C Kusre ◽  
P K Bora ◽  
Deependra Rai
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Moisture Index ◽  
Extreme Stress ◽  
Soil Moisture Index ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Work Done

Soil moisture and soil temperature are two important parameters that have a wider implication on crop production. The drop of soil moisture and temperature has an impact involving climate, vegetation and drought. The presence of soil moisture does not ensure its availability to a crop but the force by which water is held by soil particle is important. The amount of work done to extract soil moisture is generally expressed as stress. It is necessary to understand the extent of stress for proper water resources management. The soil moisture index (SMI) is a criterion that denotes the extent of stress experienced by a crop. The temperature also has an impact on germination and production. In the present study, we developed a SMI for different locations in Sikkim. The index ranges from +5 to -5. The negative index indicates extreme stress. The study indicated during winter the index goes beyond-3. Considering wilting point stress as 500 and 700 kPa. The soil temperature was also observed to fall below 15 C. Further, it was observed that soil temperature and moisture are strongly correlated to each other. The SMI can play an important role in adopting suitable water management practices for improved crop production.

The effect of the drought on British agriculture

1978 ◽  
Vol 363 (1712) ◽  
pp. 43-54 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Soil Moisture Deficit ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Moisture Deficit ◽  
Quality Water ◽  
Poor Quality Water ◽  
Grassland Production

The drought was most severe in the south of the country, but had serious effects in all areas. The dry summer of 1975 followed by an unusually dry winter resulted in the majority of the country having a soil moisture deficit in May 1976. Crop production was affected both directly and indirectly through the build up of certain pests and diseases favoured by the weather. Grassland production was severely restricted and some young leys killed out. Livestock remained remarkably fit, but milk yields fell and lambs and grazing cattle took longer to fatten. Supplementary feeding of hay, straw and concentrates was necessary. Some cases of poisoning resulted from stock foraging for food where pasture was bare, and poor quality water supplies caused problems. There were losses of sheep, pigs and calves due to high temperatures. Longer term effects of the drought include an enhanced persistence of soil acting herbicides and residues.

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